The facelifted Audi Q7 range was only launched in Australia a few months ago, but when it comes to testing the base-spec variant, it’s a case of better late than never.
Audi’s recent launch event combined this and the larger Q8, but the new entry-level Q7 45 TFSI variant – as it was then named, more on that in a second – wasn’t available to drive. It’s here now, and has been treated to the same light refresh as the broader Q7 lineup.
For 2025, the second-generation Q7 received yet another facelift, which brought revised lighting, bumpers, and intakes. This is as minor as it sounds as far as updates are concerned, although its tech was updated to bring it closer in line with the newest Audi cars.
The full complement of Q7 variants ranges in price by nearly $30,000, excluding the hotter SQ7, with the base petrol grade anchoring the range and positioned $12,000 underneath the cheapest diesel option.
It’s considerably cheaper than its most direct German rivals too, including the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, but it’s trailing in sales so far this year. That’s not unusual, given both those brands have long been more popular than Audi in Australia, and it does make the Q7 more exclusive more than its most direct competitors.
Despite the range having now settled, there have been a few small tweaks to the Q7 heading into 2026. One is the pricing for the cheapest TDI quattro, which is now roughly $3000 more expensive than it was when the facelift first launched.
Adjusted for 2026 is also Audi’s naming convention. Gone are the confusing (and seemingly arbitrary) 45 TFSI, 50 TDI, and similar variant names, instead replaced with a simpler and more accurate powertrain nomenclature – as seen with the 2026 Audi Q7 TFSI 185kW quattro on test here.
Of course, the TFSI and TDI designations continue to denote petrol and diesel engines, as does the all-wheel drive ‘quattro’ badge and the higher-spec ‘S line’ trims. Clearer variant names and sneaky price shifts aside, the Q7 range is otherwise unchanged.
Does the base Q7 still strike the same luxurious chords as its more lucrative siblings?
How much does the Audi Q7 cost?
The TFSI 185kW quattro kicks off the Q7 range at $108,815 before on-road costs.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 Audi Q7 TFSI 185kW quattro | $108,815 |
| 2026 Audi Q7 TDI 170kW quattro | $120,530 |
| 2026 Audi Q7 TDI 210kW quattro S line | $136,815 |
| 2026 Audi Q7 TFSI 250kW quattro S line | $136,815 |
| 2026 Audi SQ7 TFSI quattro | $174,815 |
Meantime, BMW’s X5 range starts at $138,600 before on-roads for the base xDrive30d M Sport, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE starts at $136,600 before on-roads. Both offer seven seats, but as an extra-cost option – unlike the Audi.
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
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What is the Audi Q7 like on the inside?
There’s real class about the Q7’s cabin, and it’s easy to forget you’re in an entry-level variant.
It not only feels like people have taken the time to design everything in here thoughtfully, but there’s also a sense that all of the high-quality materials have been put together to the same high level of fit and finish that Audi has historically been known for.
It may be built in Slovakia rather than Germany, but the Q7 still feels more substantial than a plasticky new Mercedes-Benz or a screen-heavy BMW. There’s a wow factor when you hop in, albeit in that understated Audi fashion.
Granted, the integrated displays, soft-padded surfaces and premium materials may not look as flashy on first impressions compared to the competition, but the Q7’s interior is clean, classic, functional and tactile, with plenty to keep you interested.
The conventional cabin layout and display integration come off slightly old-school, but we expect it to age better than the interior designs of its rivals with their free-standing tablet-style screens, which we’re already starting to get a bit tired of.
The black-on-black cabin colour scheme is accented by the tasteful use of silver metallic trims. This contributes to the mature and cohesive design of the Q7’s cabin, while also showcasing more of the quality Audi craftsmanship we highlighted earlier.
Headlining the front of the cabin are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter’s seamless integration into the piano black dashboard panel makes up for its small size by today’s standards, while its smartphone-inspired tiled home page is both legible and convenient.
The ‘virtual cockpit’ instrument display, meanwhile, offers a similarly clean layout. There are multiple different styles to choose from, each presenting a different selection of information – encompassing trip computers, audio, and even navigation that operates off the car’s native map app.
The final and most subtle screen is the 8.6-inch touchscreen below the multimedia display. This is for climate controls, and there are almost too many different buttons here that all offer haptic ‘click’ feedback when pressed.
Controls here will take some time to get used to and aren’t particularly intuitive when on the move. Some may also prefer actual physical controls instead of haptic feedback – also offered by the infotainment system – but fortunately Audi still has you covered.
The thin-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel features a selection of buttons on its slender spokes, which are as clicky as anyone could want. This is typical for Audi and makes the Q7 feel more familiar to those new to the brand, as does the simple arrangement on the centre console, including the T-bar-like shift-by-wire gear selector.
Equally, the seats are finished in quality leather, and are easy to move into a comfortable position via the powered adjustment. They may lack the quilted finish of higher-spec Q7 trims, but they’re supportive and comfortable.
Most of the cabin’s storage is found nearby. A glossy, weighted lid conceals two cupholders, a shallow cubby and wireless phone charger are located under the central armrest, and nicely sized bottle holders are in the doors.
The Q7’s 3.0-metre wheelbase lends itself to oodles of second-row space. Most adults should have no issue with headroom or legroom, a theme also observable in other Volkswagen Group models built on the MLB Evo platform, such as the Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Audi’s own Q8.
Standard amenities here include a third zone of climate control, which is operated via buttons on the back of the centre console. These sit below two air vents, with a pair of USB-C ports and a 12V outlet nearby.
An over-engineered fold-down armrest contains two lidded cupholders, and you can make use of bottle holders in the doors and netted map pockets for extra storage.
The bench seat can also slide and recline, a feature that enhances comfort-related adjustments even if it’s likely a byproduct of the need to access the third row of seats.
This makes it easier for third-row passengers to get in and out, and creates extra room for said passengers, or extends cargo space in the boot. All seats fold down nice and flat, creating a huge amount of boot capacity.
It’s still worth remembering this isn’t a full-size seven-seater like a Land Rover Discovery or Volvo XC90, which means the third row is only really suitable for kids or shorter adults on shorter journeys. The Q7 still offers useful third-row space, but we wouldn’t want to be cooped up back there on a road trip.
Aside from the seat-folding switches, small under-floor cubby, and netted storage pockets, the Q7’s boot doesn’t hide any unexpected secrets. We appreciated the powered tailgate in this base model, even if its removal would have taken penny-pinching to a new level.
Unlike some of its platform mates, the Q7 has to make do with a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel of any kind.
| Dimensions | Audi Q7 45 TFSI quattro |
|---|---|
| Length | 5072mm |
| Width | 1970mm |
| Height | 1748mm |
| Wheelbase | 3005mm |
| Cargo capacity | 780L (third row folded) 1908L (second and third rows folded) |
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Powering this base-spec Q7 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 185kW of power and 370Nm of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
| Specifications | Audi Q7 TFSI 185kW quattro |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 185kW |
| Torque | 370Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 2275kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.3s |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 9.3L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 8.7L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 210g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 2000kg |
Our week with the car involved a mix of highway and suburban driving, with a skew towards 80km/h roads, which contributed to our lower-than-claimed fuel consumption.
Fuel use is still relatively high for a four-cylinder though, as the engine has to work hard to haul this 2300kg-plus wagon.
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
How does the Audi Q7 drive?
A big luxury barge like the Q7 deserves a big luxury powertrain, but the 2.0-litre turbo-four doesn’t quite fit that description.
Don’t get us wrong, the ticker in this car isn’t by any means a bad engine. It’s smooth, quiet, and relatively efficient given the application here, and it can get this big hunk of an SUV up to speed with respectable haste.
It just doesn’t feel as effortless as any of the V6 engines the Q7 also offers, especially from a standstill. Peak power output is on par or better than most of the other Q7 powertrains, so this due to the torque deficit of the turbo-four, which is 130Nm down on the Q7’s two lowest-output V6s.
There’s a buttery, muscular characteristic missing here, and it’s the only real downside to this entry variant compared to its pricier alternatives. For context, all X5s bar the faster M60i and M Competition get six cylinders, while range-opening GLEs get four-cylinder diesels producing more torque.
None of this really detracts from the rest of the car’s exemplary behaviour. This starts with the transmission, which is predictable, smooth, and easy to live with in traffic thanks to its more traditional torque converter internals.
Then there are its driving dynamics, which are simply brilliant. This particular Q7 may well be a commuter-spec vehicle without any of the flair of the SQ7, but we were still impressed by how well it handled most of the roads we threw at it.
There is standard adaptive air suspension with different levels of firmness depending on the drive mode. Normal mode certainly errs on the stiffer side, but the chunkier tyre sidewalls of the base Q7 help the car to be relatively compliant.
Highlighting this ride comfort, we were fortunate enough to transition directly from an electric Q6 e-tron into the Q7. While most buyers wouldn’t compare the two SUVs, it was refreshing to drive the Q7 after the excessively firm e-tron.
It just makes for a comfortable commuter that would also be great on a road trip. If the road gets twistier, you can also dial up the suspension to match – simply by selecting Dynamic mode.
In this mode, the suspension is noticeably stiffer, and the steering is heavier. The car then hunkers down around bends without excessive body roll, moving with the agility of a vehicle smaller than itself.
This isn’t a sports car, but the Q7 is more than capable of holding its own on a windy road. The only real downside is that high-profile rubber, which provides such a comfortable ride but allows plenty of sidewall flex, which translates to a fair bit of side-to-side movement in the cabin.
Mid-corner bumps also seem to unsettle the car a little, albeit mostly in tighter bends at higher than average speeds. This is to be expected, and otherwise the Q7 feels well planted on freeways and rural highways.
A minor complaint, as we noted in our launch review, is that the steering feels a little dead. There’s still enough agility and feedback to confidently navigate carparks, narrow side streets and tight backroads, but there’s not much feel when travelling at speed. Effortlessly light steering is a hallmark of luxury, but some of the Q7’s rivals have more communicative steering.
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Overall, however, the Q7 presents as a very nicely polished package. None of the more advanced safety gear is missing from this base-spec version, and all of it is well-calibrated and reliable.
We had no issues with features like lane-keep assist or speed limit warnings, while the car’s adaptive cruise and lane-centring systems also performed well during highway driving. The latter are still operated via an old-fashioned third stalk on the steering column, which at least feels familiar and won’t take long to get used to.
The only thing really deserving of criticism is the poor calibration of the Q7’s idle stop/start system. Like other VW Group products, it’s eager to shut off the engine as you brake to slow down, but it only does so the moment before you come to a complete stop.
This creates a sudden jolt when the engine shuts down, regardless of how light-footed you are, as if the transmission and the switched off engine don’t disengage from each other while the wheels are still rolling. This is one advantage dual-clutch autos have over torque converters, but at least the engine fires up promptly upon any driver input, and the stop/start system can be turned off at the press of a button.
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
What do you get?
Four variants are offered across two distinct trim levels.
2025 Audi Q7 TFSI + TDI equipment highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive air suspension
- Matrix LED headlights
- Electric tailgate incl. gesture control
- 7 seats incl. electric 3rd row
- Leather-appointed upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB digital radio
- Satellite navigation
- Audi connect plus
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless phone charger
- Tri-zone climate control
- Interior ambient lighting
Q7 TDI + TFSI S line add:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- S line exterior package
- Privacy glass
- Panoramic sunroof
- Quad-zone climate control
- Colour ambient interior lighting
- Electric steering column adjust
- Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
- Head-up display
- Valcona leather upholstery – S embossed
- S line interior package
- Sport seats
- Leather 3-spoke sport steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Perforated leather – steering wheel, gear selector
- Inlays in brushed aluminium
- Illuminated aluminium door sills – S logo
- Headliner in black cloth
- Door mats front, rear with contrast stitching
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Options
A number of packages and single-item options are available.
Premium Package: $3900 (TFSI 185kW + TDI 170kW)
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Quad-zone climate control
- Black exterior styling
- Colour ambient interior lighting
Luxury Seat Package: $4200 (TDI 210kW + TFSI 250kW)
- S sports seats with integrated headrest
- Valcona leather with diamond stitching
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
Premium Plus Package: $5500 (TDI 210kW + TFSI 250kW)
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive air suspension – sport
- Dynamic all-wheel steering
- Black exterior styling
- Power-assisted door closure
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Is the Audi Q7 safe?
The Audi Q7 boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2019. This will expire in December 2025.
| Category | Audi Q7 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 92 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 71 per cent |
| Safety assist | 71 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 8 airbags
- Adaptive drive assist
- Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go
- Distance indicator
- Lane guidance assist – centring
- Traffic jam assist
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Forward, Reverse
- Pedestrian assist – up to 85km/h
- Vehicle to vehicle – up to 250km/h
- Blind-spot assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Exit warning system
- Lane assist
- Park assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Surround-view camera
- Traffic jam assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure loss indicator
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
How much does the Audi Q7 cost to run?
As with the wider Audi lineup, the Q7 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Warranty | Audi Q7 45 TFSI quattro |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year service plan |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3820 |
Customers can also purchase the Audi Advantage Package for $4370, which adds two years to the unlimited-kilometre warranty, two additional scheduled services, and two years of roadside assistance. Pricing is identical for petrol and diesel vehicles.
For context, the GLE has longer 12-month, 25,000km service intervals, but Mercedes-Benz’s five-year service plan costs a whopping $8055. The same service pack for the X5 costs $3275.
To see how the Audi Q7 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Audi Q7 TFSI 185kW quattro
The Q7 remains a great way to get into a large luxury SUV, especially if European brands are your jam.
Keep in mind that of the two German rivals we’ve referenced throughout this review, the Q7 is the only one that boasts true European origins (Slovakian as they may be). The other two are assembled in the US, and somehow that doesn’t feel right for a $100,000-plus vehicle from a German brand.
Then consider that the Q7 is cheaper than both the X5 and GLE, and it looks like a compelling proposition before you even get behind the wheel. And of course, it gets better once you enter that classy, premium interior.
On the road, the Q7 has confident driving manners, which are a reminder not to judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to a demure Audi SUV. The turbo-four can get the job done, even if it does leave a bit to be desired, which is where the sweeter V6s have the advantage.
All up, the Q7 is an accomplished family SUV that impresses at every opportunity, even at base level – which should keep your wallet happy too.
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